Should you switch now, or wait until spring?
Delaying your solar PV installation until spring or summer might feel like the sensible thing to do – but you could be missing out on months of free electricity. Customers who opt for autumn solar PV installations start saving money straight away.
We’re often asked if customers should delay getting their PV system installed until spring or summer. The answer? Generally no. While generation may be lower through winter, systems are still capable of electricity production which help to lower household bills from day one.
Delaying your installation also puts other customers ahead of you in the installation queue. At peak times, customers may be waiting 6-8 weeks for system installs, meaning they’re missing out on potential generation while the early adopters are already reaping the benefits of cheaper electricity.
Generating electricity through winter
It’s a common misconception that PV systems need blue skies and sunshine to generate electricity, but panels generate from daylight. Even on a cloudy day, there is still usable solar radiation. In winter, shorter days and the lower angle of the sun in the sky will reduce your output but systems will still work. Every hour of generated power is an hour less that you’re drawing from the electricity grid, meaning lower bills for you.
Modern solar systems are designed to operate in cold conditions, so the Irish winter isn’t a challenge. Heavy snowfall or frosts will obscure the panels, reducing the ability to generate power however they tend to melt quickly. It’s also possible to remove snow using a soft brush if you’re concerned.
While winter generation may be low, as the supermarket people say – every little helps. With household bills often higher in winter, it’s important to take every opportunity to make savings, even if it’s a smaller amount than you’ll save in summer.
Evidence that solar works, even in harsh winters, is available from Scandinavia. Finland has over 84,800 grid connected PV systems, delivering 251MW by mid-2025. Considering that the country has ‘polar night’ where the sun doesn’t rise for 51 days, the investment in solar technology is a sign that PV is worth the lowered winter generation.
Energy security with solar PV
Grid energy supply is essentially a rented commodity, and the provider can increase the costs – and this winter they’re at it again. Most of the major electricity companies in the Republic of Ireland have announced price rises, adding up to €200 to some annual bills.
With solar PV, we offer customers the chance to take control of their energy costs. Once panels are installed and systems commissioned, home owners will see a decrease in the power drawn from the main grid, delivering savings on monthly bills. For the majority of people, this saving covers the cost of the system payments. Once the payback term has been reached, the system continues to save thousands every year.
Lots of our customers finance the cost of their system, locking in a fixed payment for several years – with no unexpected price rises. Once the system has reached its payback period, usually within 7-10 years, you’ll see bills virtually disappear.
Our customers are also able to sell their excess energy back into the grid, earning per unit of exported power.
Solar PV and battery storage
In recent years, solar batteries have dropped in price and increased in performance, making them a more affordable addition to PV systems. Adding batteries to PV systems allow owners to store electricity which has been generated for free, discharging the battery after dark or when generation is lower. This is particularly effective during the winter months, allowing the solar PV system to smooth out the energy load of the building and reduce the higher winter bills by a significant amount.
Weathering winter storms
Storm Eowyn hit Ireland in January 2025, leaving over one million homes without power, many for an extended period. Spain and Portugal experienced catastrophic power cuts in summer 2025, due to a ‘miscalculation’ by energy provider REE. While our grid is reliable, periods of high demand and external factors can put strain on the network.
Solar PV doesn’t always provide a backup energy supply, but it is possible to install a system which can be isolated from the grid to deliver electricity during outages.
We only install solar PV systems that are tested rigorously, ensuring that they can cope with winter storms without issue. As part of our consultation process we will assess your roof to check the structure can withstand the additional weight of the panels and we use wind load calculations to see how much external force your roof will need to cope with.
To effectively protect your systems’ long-term performance, we recommend routine maintenance. We can use a thermal imaging camera on a drone to check panels, looking for problems with hot spots or wiring issues. We’ll also be able to ensure your inverter is performing at its optimum level as well as checking any batteries or supplementary equipment.
Environmental benefits of solar PV
Solar PV is a clean, green source of electricity. Panels and inverters work to reduce the amount of power which is generated without the need for fossil fuels. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, as well as helping to reduce the dependence on markets which have volatile pricing.
Systems which rely on multiple sources for energy generation are typically more resilient than those dominated by a single fuel, helping to provide widespread energy security.
Our free consultations will show you how much money you’ll save with solar PV. Book an appointment today and start saving money. Then once there’s a stretch in the days, you’ll notice your generation starts to ramp up quickly.
Our team offers Ireland-wide coverage and service, get in touch for your free quote and make 2026 even more productive!
